UNAIR NEWS 鈥 东京热 (UNAIR) hosted a strategic visit from the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen to Indonesia during a meeting held at the Management Building on UNAIR鈥檚 MERR-C Campus on Tuesday (May 19, 2026). The meeting aimed to review the welfare and academic conditions of Yemeni students studying at UNAIR while also enhancing and expanding academic collaboration between both institutions.
The meeting was attended by UNAIR leadership representatives and officials from Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE). In his remarks, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., hoped that the partnership would create reciprocal benefits for both UNAIR and the Republic of Yemen.
鈥淚n the future, higher education can serve as a strategic bridge to strengthen cooperation and relations between our two countries,鈥 he said.
Through the collaboration, he also expressed hopes of developing mentorship and scholarship programs that would allow UNAIR lecturers to pursue formal studies in Yemen. The initiative is expected to broaden academic expertise, particularly as Yemen is recognized for its strong foundation in Islamic economics.
Plans for future cooperation
Responding to the proposal, representatives from the Yemeni Embassy welcomed the initiative and expressed readiness to support UNAIR鈥檚 goals, including efforts to develop Islamic economics programs. In his remarks, the Yemeni Ambassador stressed that diplomatic relations should extend beyond politics and culture to include education, which he described as essential for shaping future generations.
鈥淭he relationship between Yemen and Indonesia is not simply a conventional bilateral partnership; it is rooted in historical ties that continue to strengthen both nations. The presence of Yemeni students at UNAIR is a great honor and marks important progress for our community,鈥 said H.E. Salem Ahmed, Yemen鈥檚 Ambassador to Indonesia.
Scholarship opportunities between both countries
In addition to discussing expanded cooperation, representatives from the Yemeni Embassy also explored details regarding UNAIR鈥檚 international student admission system. The discussion focused on admission requirements, enrollment pathways, and scholarship opportunities offered by both UNAIR and the Indonesian government.
The initiative is expected to encourage more young Yemenis to pursue higher education in Indonesia, while also opening opportunities for Indonesian students to study in Yemen. Through the strategic meeting, both parties committed to following up on several agreed initiatives, including cultural exchange programs and scholarship implementation. The efforts are intended to maintain and strengthen the longstanding relationship between Indonesia and Yemen across multiple sectors, particularly education.
Author: Nur Ibad Khasani
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
